Planning a Trip Questions

[sunfish]

Has anyone been to Aruba and could compare it to T&K? I 'd just like some comparison on the two. Trying to decide just where to spend a week and the message boards have saved me in the past.

ThankS

[ajax]

Sunfish, I have never been to Aruba, however, have heard that T & C is not as Americanized as Aruba. Meaning, there are no chain resturants, not much shopping, only small ma and pop type places, and most of the accomodations are condo/hotel type places. T & C does not have a Hyatt, Marriott, etc. T & C does not have any casinos, and if going in Jan. or Feb. could be cooler than Aruba. Any specific questions just ask.
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XLV750R

[nkelly]

Hi Sunfish!
I have been to Aruba quite a few times and to Provo T&C for a 2 week stay. IMO they are very different but both very beautiful. Aruba IS very Americanized and offers a high-rise and low-rise area of accommodation on it's beaches. The high rises run along Palm Beach so this is where alot of the action is (restaurants, cafes, shops etc... that are all within walking distance of the Marriott, Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Phoenix, Allegro etc). The low rise hotels are on Eagle Beach and in the area closer to town. They generally offer self catering type accommodations however there are AI's available here as well (La Cabana, The Tamarijn for example). Aruba has just about anything and everything one may want and yes it has become "touristy" but you know what, I have always liked it. You can dine in Mickey Dees or in your choice of several 5* restaurants, you can shop till you drop in Orangestaad and you can try your hand with Lady Luck! On the other hand, Provo is much more subdued, very laid back. We stayed on Grace Bay where you can choose from many beautiful condo style facilities that are very luxurious. Not many chain hotels (there is a "Beaches" property on Grace Bay however). You can shop in the IGA and there are many take out restaurants (pizza etc) but not alot of American chain restaurants either (no big deal for us LOL) We enoyed lunch a few times at the Tiki Hut and dined out at some very nice but dear($) restaurants. From what I could see, "nightlife" was based around the Grace Bay area (there is one casino in one of the hotels - I won $ 300 US YEAH!!) and is more the outdoor or roof top patio syle restaurant / pub with music. Not many young (late teen or early 20's) travellers on this island and not as much of the "craziness" that has become commonplace on Aruba. In closing, Aruba does offer the best climate in the Caribbean IMO. Provo T&C is very north in relation to the islands so can in fact be cool. We travelled there in November and experienced pleasant, not hot temperatures. Water was a bit cool for me as well. I certainly hope this helps in your decision making and would be happy to help further should you require it.
Regards,
Nkelly